Former DPSB member’s son appointed to vacancy

The DeSoto Parish School Board voted 7-2 Thursday night to appoint Timothy Fuller, son of McLawrence Fuller, to serve District 3 until Dec. 31. The elder Fuller resigned last week after 34 years.

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Timothy Fuller’s appointment continues legacy of a Fuller family member being on the DPSB

MANSFIELD – The tradition of a Fuller family member representing the DeSoto Parish School Board’s District 3 continues for now.

Timothy Fuller Sr., of Grand Cane, got the nod tonight to fill out the remainder of his father’s, McLawrence Fuller, term that expires Dec. 31. McLawrence Fuller resigned last week after 34 years on the board.

Timothy Fuller and Bobby Boyd were the only two to offer themselves for the position. Both were given the chance at the board meeting to say why they wanted the temporary appointment.

Boyd cited his 37.5 years as an educator and a desire to continue giving back to students. Timothy Fuller said his preparation came from watching his father and knowing what it took behind the scenes for him to be a long-serving public servant.

Board members wrote down their choices that were read aloud by Superintendent Cade Brumley. Seven of the nine members present voted for Timothy Fuller.

He’ll be sworn in at 10:30 a.m. today in Brumley’s office. Timothy Fuller confirmed afterwards he’ll qualify later this month to run for a full term in the newly reconfigured district. Elections this fall will follow new lines created by reapportionment.

In other matters, board member Steavy Clark echoed Mansfield resident Jeri Burrell who’s complained for months that her questions are not being answered at board meetings. Clark wants the public to have unlimited time to talk at meetings and quiz board members.

“I’m ashamed to be a part of this board,” Clark said.

Later, board member Neil Henderson asked Clark, “Then why don’t you meet with her and answer her questions instead of badgering us?”

Clark said Burrell wants answers from the whole board and not just him. Henderson responded, “We’re not hiding anything; that’s my point.”

Another Mansfield resident, Betty Carter, for the second month asked the board to consider letting the Mansfield High Wolverines football team wear the colors of the former all-black DeSoto High School, which closed in 1979, during at least one game this season.

“We’re not willing to let the memories die,” she said, admitting she had never heard of some of the other schools in the parish, also rich in history, that have closed over the decades.

No action was taken on her request. However, Henderson presented a proposed policy that would require all schools’ athletics teams, clubs and organizations to only wear colors and insignias of their school. Any exception would take a two-thirds vote of the board, and no principal or administrator could authorize a deviation. The board will consider Henderson’s proposal at the September meeting.